The microtonal guitar: Türkiye’s Segovia moment

Year 2023, , 589 - 602, 30.12.2023

Emre Ünlenen

https://doi.org/10.12975/rastmd.20231146

Abstract

The use of microtones in guitar music is not an innovative phenomenon as it is thought. It has been used for different tuning systems and by composers working on non-12edo music throughout history. Although this concept is not as widespread as conventional guitar music, many experimental studies have been conducted to tune microtones more accurately. This article aims to present practical tools for the reader on methods to produce microtones on the guitar, especially Tolgahan Çoğulu’s adjustable microtonal guitar project, and the developments in microtonal guitar music in Türkiye since the project began in 2008 to 2021. The findings on this topic are shared from a guitar music specialist’s perspective. It aims to be helpful, especially for guitarists who are unfamiliar with microtonal music approaches in guitar music. The study consists of two parts. In the first part, the microtonal strategies in guitar music were compiled. Practical ways to achieve microtones on conventional guitars, non-12edo fixed fret layouts, fretlets concept, and movable fret guitars are examined individually, and their advantages and disadvantages are listed in terms of their usability. In the second part, the attainments of the Adjustable Microtonal Guitar Project were examined. By using the principles determined by Andres Segovia in the formation of modern guitar music in the 1920s as a model, the composers who composed for this instrument, the performers who used the instrument, the success in the presentation of the project in social media, the awards it won in international competitions, microtonal guitar competitions and festivals, academic and pedagogical studies were researched. The findings show that the adjustable microtonal guitar gives precise results in tuning compared to the other strategies mentioned. Even though it causes difficulties in changing the frets between different pieces in terms of time, it is the most suitable result for using microtones on the guitar, as it makes it possible to perform all kinds of work. In the project’s short history, the Adjustable Microtonal Guitar project crossed national borders and created its ecosystem with the innovative efforts of the inventor.

Keywords

Adjustable microtonal guitar, instrument development, microtonality on guitar music, Tolgahan Çoğulu

Thanks

Special thanks to Prof. Dr. Tolgahan Çoğulu, Robert Lopez-Hanshaw, Duygu Taşdelen, and Prof. Serla Balkarlı for their generous support.

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